Save a Life: Prevent Overdose Deaths
Drug overdose deaths are rising rapidly in Washington. Many drug overdose incidents take place in the presence of friends, who could help avoid the victim's death by acting quickly to seek help. However, they often hesitate to seek that help because they fear arrest and prosecution on drug charges. The ACLU supports legislation—similar to New Mexico's 911 Good Samaritan Law—that would provide immunity from prosecution to people who report a drug overdose in order to help the victim. Sponsored by Sen. Rosa Franklin and Rep. Roger Goodman, such legislation would save lives and focus public resources on resolving medical emergencies. House Bill 1796 would also facilitate peer distribution and administration of Naloxone, a drug that stops opiate overdoses and revives victims within minutes of administration.
